Jamestown 1607
Colony in Virginia, The first successful settlement in the Virginia colony founded in May, 1607. Harsh conditions nearly destroyed the
... [Show More] colony. The settlement became part of the Joint Stock Virginia Company of London in 1620. Grew to be a prosperous shipping port.
First Africans brought to Virginia 1619
The Africans became indentured servants, similar in legal position to many poor Englishmen who traded several years labor in exchange for passage to America. With the success of tobacco planting, African Slavery was legalized in Virginia and Maryland, becoming the foundation of the Southern agrarian economy.
Mayflower compact 1620
The FIRST CONSTITUTION OF THE USA! This document was drafted in 1620 prior to settlement by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Bay in Massachusetts. It declared that the settlers agreed to accept majority rule and participate in a government in the best interest of all members of the colony. This agreement set the precedent for later documents outlining commonwealth rule. Pledged loyalty to the King.
Great Migration of Puritans to Massachusetts 1630s &1640s
Puritans wanted to remove all "taints" from the Church of England. Feared individualistic behavior and formed communities of support and assumed responsibility for all people around them. (holy watchers) the "Promised Land"- establish holy communities devoted to serving God. "City on a Hill."
Roger Williams established Rhode Island 1636
A preacher who clashed with the Massachusetts Puritans over separation of church and state and was banished in 1636, after which he founded the colony of Rhode Island to the south
William Penn established Pennsylvania 1681
Son of very wealthy Sir Admiral William Penn. One of wealthiest sugar planters. Rebelled against his parents. Founded Pennsylvania for the QUAKERS—tolerant of all people, religions, and ethnicity. nicknamed the Society of friends
***Salem Witch Trials 1692
Wave of hysteria swept through Massachusetts regarding outrageous religious convictions and proposed witchcraft. 150 people arrested, 26 convicted. this changed the dynamics of wealth because the wealthy were accused of witchcraft more often than the poor (if convicted, they lose property)
James Oglethorpe established Georgia 1732
social reformer who established colony of Georgia as a place for honest debtors (the poor who were in debtor's prison)
Jonathan Edwards sparked the Great Awakening 1734
wrote "sinners in the hands of an angry god", Puritan Minister sparked the Great revival of religion
The Great Awakening 1734
Puritanical era where religion became important because people feared they were going to be punished by God. Johnathan Edwards.
The French and Indian War 1754-1763
(7 years war) French & Natives vs. English & Colonists. Ended in 1763 with victory at Quebec ended seven years' war with the British winning. The Taking of Montreal in 1760 ended french as a major power. Natives sided with french as they were the lesser of two evils and had inter-racial relations and treated them with respect.
Proclamation of 1763
reserved all land west of the racial boundry line for natives and forced the settlers who were living west of that line to move east. (Part of a peace arrangement)
Stamp Act 1765-1766
In 1765, This act required the colonists to pay for a stamp to go on documents like: deeds, mortgages, liquor licenses, playing cards, and almanacs. The colonists objected to this direct tax and in protest petitioned the king, formed a formal meeting, and boycotted English imports. In 1766, Parliament repealed the act which was a major victory for colonists. No Taxation without representation
Declaratory Act 1766
Following the repeal of the Stamp Act, the Declaratory Act stated that the British Parliament held the same power in the colonies as in Britain. Gave Parliament the authority to pass any law they pleased upon the American colonies. (punishment for the stamp act repeal)
Townshend Acts 1767
passed by Parliament, put a tax on glass, lead, paper, and tea. The acts caused protest from the colonists, who found ways around the taxes such as buying smuggled tea. Due to its little profits, the Townshend Acts were repealed in 1770, except for the tax on tea. The tax on tea was kept to keep alive the principle of Parliamentary taxation.
Boston Tea Party 1773
In response to the Tea Act, saying that the East India Trade company could trade directly with colonists which cut out the middle man (American colonists then lost their jobs/money), Colonists dressed as Indians and dumped 10,000 pounds worth of tea into Boston Harbor.
First Continental Congress 1774
55 delegates met in September 1774 to establish the DECLARATION of RIGHTS & showed the colonists' defiance towards the British [Show Less]